Creamy Tomato Aloo Dum with Garam Masala

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender potatoes simmered in a rich tomato gravy with aromatic spices, finished with a hint of garam masala for depth. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium potatoes, vegetable oil, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 4 medium potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat, add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and sauté until golden (5 minutes).
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1-inch ginger grated, and 1 green chili chopped; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato puree, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 3 minutes until oil separates.
  4. Step 4: Add the diced potatoes, stir to coat, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, adding 1/4 cup water if needed.
  5. Step 5: Uncover and cook for 5 more minutes until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup cream and 1/4 cup cilantro, cook for 1 minute, then serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Tomato Aloo Dum with Garam Masala take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Tomato Aloo Dum with Garam Masala?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Tomato Aloo Dum with Garam Masala?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Tomato Aloo Dum with Garam Masala for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Tomato Aloo Dum with Garam Masala vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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